Tuesday 6 December 2011 06.10 EST
First published on Tuesday 6 December 2011 06.10 EST

Ashley Young is adamant Manchester United will not adopt a safety-first attitude in their make-or-break Champions League encounter with Basel on Wednesday.

After tossing away a two-goal lead against the Swiss champions on matchday two and then failing to overcome Benfica at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's men must avoid defeat if they are to book their customary spot in the last 16.

"It would be dangerous to think we only need a draw," the former Aston Villa man said. "No one at this club has that mentality. We still have it in our hands to go there and qualify, which was the main target and we will be trying to win."

Although he was part of a United side that carved out yet another single-goal victory at Villa Park on Saturday, Young is still to find the devastating early-season form that secured a succession of high-scoring wins. It proved exactly why Ferguson was prepared to splash out £18m on him, triggering a move Young did not need to have second thoughts about.

"They don't come much bigger than Manchester United," he said. "I have always had confidence in my own ability and the club had enough confidence to sign me. I know quite a few players through England, so I settled in straight away."

With Javier Hernández said to be out for a month, Danny Welbeck only just back from a muscular problem suffered on England duty and Dimitar Berbatov doubtful after aggravating an ankle injury in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last week, Young may be required to fill a more orthodox attacking role. It is something he has done with a measure of success for England, after being shuffled into the slot by Gérard Houllier during the Frenchman's time at Villa Park. Not that Young has a preference for where he wants to play.

"I don't have a favourite position," he said. "As long as I am in the team I am happy. The modern-day footballer has to be versatile."